Boundless Immigration News Weekly Recap Archive: January 27, 2023

Republican-Led States Push to Block Migrant Sponsorship Program

A group of Republican-controlled states filed a lawsuit to block a program that would permit up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. legally each month.

The Biden administration argues that this new strategy would help better manage the flow of migration through the southern border and allow migrants from these countries to live and work under parole.

Republican attorneys argue it illegally expands the definition of parole, which they say can only be used under extraordinary circumstances.

Biden Administration Launches New Private Sponsorship Program for Refugees

The State Department launched a new program that will allow private citizens and organizations to financially sponsor refugees in the U.S.

To qualify, sponsors need to form a group of at least 5 people and raise a minimum of $2,275 per refugee. Sponsors will also need to create a support plan to help refugees find work and housing during their first 90 days in the U.S. The program, called “Welcome Corps,” is open to both U.S. citizens and green card holders.

Google Puts the Brakes on Green Card Applications for Foreign Workers

Google sent an email to its foreign employees in the U.S. saying it would pause new applications for permanent labor certification (known as PERM), the first step to obtaining an employment-based green card.

Employers who want to hire a foreigner on a green card must first receive a PERM certification, which shows that no eligible U.S. worker can fill the position.

The tech giant recently laid off 12,000 of its employees.

USCIS NEWS

Visa Approvals Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2022

Immigrant and non-immigrant visas issued overseas increased in 2022, according to the State Department’s 2022 visa report.

Nonimmigrant visa approvals spiked from 2.7 million in 2021 to over 6.8 million in 2022. Immigrant visa approvals also increased, from 285,000 in 2021 to 493,00 in 2022. Overall, visa numbers in 2022 started rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.

U.S. Government Settles Lawsuits That Benefit H-1B and L-1 Spouses

The U.S. government settled two lawsuits that will benefit spouses of H-1B and L-1 work visa holders.

Once the laws go into effect, L-2 and H-4 spouses will have a much easier time working in the U.S., as well as renewing their work authorization permits.